Building Regulations – what does it mean?

Building Regulations apply in England & Wales and promote standards for most aspects of a building’s construction, energy efficiency in buildings, the needs of all people, including those with disabilities, in accessing and moving around buildings.

Do I need Building Regulations Approval?

The majority of Building Projects require approval under the Building Regulations, these include:-

The construction of a new House, Office, Shop, Factory, Hotel or other significant Building.
The extension of any building, unless the extension is either a porch or conservatory (see below).
Structural Alterations carried out on buildings, eg. removing load-bearing walls.
Alterations to drainage systems, heating systems and hot water systems.
Internal alterations to commercial buildings that affect means of escape in case of fire.
Cavity Wall Insulation.
Underpinning.
Replacement Windows.
Certain changes of use of Buildings.

Projects that do not Need Building Regulations

Some projects are exempt from the Building Regulations, these include:

Most Agricultural Buildings.
Temporary Buildings intended to remain in place for no longer than 28 days.
Small Detached Buildings which contain no sleeping accommodation and have a floor area not exceeding 15m2 eg. garden sheds.
Small Detached Buildings with a floor area not exceeding 30m2 which contain no sleeping accommodation and are either substantially non-combustible or are located at least 1m from the property boundary eg. Detached single or small double garages of masonry construction.
Porches with a floor area not exceeding 30m2 so long as a door is retained in the current front door position.
Conservatories with a floor area not exceeding 30m2 providing that the conservatory is separated from the house, is single storey, substantially glazed and has a translucent roof.
Carports open on at least two sides.
Covered ways.

If you are in any doubt as to whether your particular project requires Building Regulation approval please contact us.